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Environmental Review
In an area such as Port Stephens which boasts spectacular wetlands, sculptured bays, eco-diverse marine and national parks and open beaches, Le Meilleur Horizons has a responsibility to the community to be environmentally minded and protective of the natural resources that abound our 84 hectares. We have become a haven for a host of flora and wildlife which is highlighted by resident koalas and stunning wetlands. Our commitment to the environment has led to the creation of a Environmental Ethic as follows: 'Integrated with beautiful wetlands, waterways and natural bushland Le Meilleur Horizons Golf Resort is committed to best practice environmental management. The areas unique biodiversity is appreciated and respected, our use of it, thoughtfully considered. Our long-term goal is to achieve eco-accreditation through the implementation and promotion of environmental initiatives, ‘green’ policies and waste management procedures, not only reaping benefits for the environment but also adding a new dimension to the ‘Le Meilleur Horizons experience. We hope you enjoy your stay’.
Bush Regeneration Management Strategy This broad initiative deals with issues such as:
All rooms feature recycling bins so guests too can help us in this process. Horizons have established a greenwaste composting and mulching area for the decomposition of vegetation and cuttings accumulated as a result of course maintenance. Once mulched the end product is returned to planted and garden areas.
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Environmental
issues however are not only relevant to the golf course and the
natural bushland setting, all Horizons departments from accounting
to housekeeping are consciously auditing their environmental impact
with the combined and determined long-term goal of achieving
eco-tourism and sustainability accreditation for the Resort. This
will serve not only to benefit the local environment but also adds a
further dimension to the Le Meilleur Horizons experience.
The
impressive variation of native plants and wildlife present on the
golf course and surrounding habitat is a direct reflection of our
commitment and concern for local biodiversity. Many initiatives
specifically target aspects of flora and fauna management and
conservation.
State
environmentally protected wetlands (SEPP14) exist on and around the
site and are home to a vast array of turtles, frogs and bird life.
The fact that these areas are still in pristine condition and
support such wildlife is a result of a conscious plan of management
to totally minimise impact on this sensitive ecosystem.
The
'home-range' of at least three koalas overlap on the Le Meilleur Horizons
Estate, and during breeding season up to five have been counted in
one day. All koala sightings on and around the course are added to a
database submitted to the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This
information is necessary for the ongoing preservation of the local
koalas by providing an updated insight into the individual health,
population and general condition of the colony.
Bitou
bush and noxious weed eradication and management 
The Australian Bird Atlases
have undertaken a field survey on the site and
identified over 50 bird species. The wetlands boardwalk
(third tee area) is a fabulous bird viewing location with Emu Wrens,
Superb and Variegated Fairy Wrens and Honey-eater species commonly
sighted.
Le
Meilleur Horizons
Golf Resort adheres to its own strict recycling policy. Our 20,000
litre-recycling receptacle has been specially designed for glass,
plastic, paper, newsprint and cardboard compaction. Cooking oils and
wine corks are reprocessed by local companies and food / vegetable
scraps are composted on-site.
With
such a dense bushland surrounding the Resort, snakes are encountered
from time to time. Le Meilleur Horizons have in place a strict policy on snake
relocation that has only been necessary on rare occasions during
summer.
Night-time
wildlife spotlighting surveys reveal all manner of animals going
about their nocturnal activities. Brushtail and Ringtail Possums are
probably the most commonly sighted, with gliders (both the Sugar and
Squirrel) bandicoots, native rodents, bats and owls also
encountered.